Optical Systems Developer

Optical Systems Developer

PulseMedica, an Edmonton-based startup, is searching for a Optical Systems Developer to join our world-class team. Reporting to the Optics Team Lead, this person will support the design, prototyping, testing, and integration of optical components and subsystems into our ophthalmic imaging and treatment devices. This hands-on role offers exposure to advanced optical system development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world product innovation.

About Us

PulseMedica, proudly Great Place to Work Certified for the third consecutive year, is a fast-growing, innovative medical device startup. We combine cutting-edge research, advanced technology, and production excellence to tackle ophthalmic diseases and disabilities. Our mission is to provide novel treatment options through state-of-the-art solutions, blending real-time classical computer vision, deep learning algorithms, 3D eye imaging, and high-precision laser surgery. With a commitment to revolutionizing ophthalmic treatments, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes that prevent blindness and disabilities caused by eye diseases. At PulseMedica, we foster a collaborative and supportive environment where talent thrives, and our team's collective impact drives change in the field of eye care.

The Opportunity

This role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with senior optical and systems engineers while contributing directly to the development and qualification of new optical designs. The successful candidate will support system prototyping, experiment execution, optical modeling, data analysis, and documentation—helping bring advanced ophthalmic imaging technologies from concept to integrated product.

The person will be responsible for:

• Assist in the design and prototyping of optical, electromechanical, and optomechanical systems for ophthalmic imaging and surgical platforms.
• Generate, conduct, and document optical system test plans for qualification and debugging activities on devices.
• Support Senior Engineering activities, including development of optical software tools, development of laboratory optical instrumentation  including mechanical fixture conceptual design, Python, C++ or Matlab scripts to control and analyze optical instruments such as Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors, cameras, autocorrelators and motion control systems.
• Help create design specifications and component selection criteria for optical components (lenses, detectors, light sources, etc.). Interface with suppliers. 
• Use optical CAD software (CODEV, LightTools) to analyze and evaluate optical subsystems.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical designs into products.
• Prepare and maintain technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Support regulatory and quality documentation related to optical design.
• Attend team meetings and engage in design reviews.
• Follow all company policies, including confidentiality, safety, and engineering procedures.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related field.

Experience & Skills

• Foundational understanding of geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, and lasers.
• Optical lab experience with the design, setup, testing, and debugging of optical devices.
• Hands-on experience with the use of optical, and electrical test equipment.
• Hands-on experience  with devising and setting up optical performance measurement breadboards.
• Basic familiarity with optical CAD software (e.g. CODEV, LightTools, and/or Zemax) with ability to understand how 1st order systems are defined, configured and evaluated within the code. 
• Experience with mechanical CAD software (SolidWorks, OnShape) an asset
• Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB is an asset.
• Ability to read ISO10110, ANSI Y14.5 and general mechanical/optical/electronic engineering documents. and contribute to design documentation.. 
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Experience with writing and presenting technical documentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

What you bring

• Curiosity, eagerness to learn, and comfort working in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to take direction from senior engineers while contributing your own insights.
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.

Anticipated Start Date: as soon as a suitable candidate is found

Duration: Full time Permanent (40 hours per week)

Salary: Commensurate to experience and qualifications

Location: Edmonton

What you can expect from PulseMedica:

• Competitive compensation, health, dental and vision benefits and the option to participate in our employee stock option plan
• Free on-site gym (Jackson's Gym)
• A role that contributes to helping change people's lives by enhancing their vision
• A unique opportunity to build, grow, and be part of a team that is going to revolutionize a multi-billion dollar industry
• Hybrid work
• Growth Opportunities
• Monthly team social events
• Working for a company that was recently Great Place to Work certified